FDL County Sheriff Issues Press Release Regarding Mask Mandate

The following statement was issued Thursday evening by Fond du Lac County Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt:

“Good evening everyone.  We have been receiving many inquiries about whether or not our Sheriff’s Office will be enforcing Governor Evers’ “mask mandate.”  The simple answer is “no,” and for many reasons.  We do not have the resources or the time to respond to complaints about people not wearing masks, and there are many legitimate reasons that people cannot safely wear masks, among other concerns I have with the order.  

Please do not contact the Fond du Lac County Communications Center to report people not wearing masks, as they, too, are very busy handling urgent law enforcement, EMS, and fire related calls.  We do ask that everyone respect each other’s individual decision whether or not to wear a mask, make your own decision to wear or not wear a mask based on personal health concerns and concerns for others around you, and respect all private businesses that require masks on their property.  Private businesses do reserve the right to uphold the mandate on their property.  

We recognize that Covid-19 is a legitimate public health concern, but I respect your individual freedom to decide how you protect yourself.  As with any virus, we encourage you to stay home if ill, cover your coughs and sneezes, distance yourself from others around you in public, wash your hands often, and wear a mask when you deem appropriate or when on the private property of others who are asking you wear a mask.” 

Stay safe and well,
Sheriff Ryan Waldschmidt